Mangal (Pashtun tribe)

The Mangal (Pashto: منګل) are a tribe of the Afghan or Pashtun people residing in eastern Paktia and adjacent Khost provinces of Afghanistan, and in the town of Tari Mangal, district Kurram, Pirdil Khel, Fatima Khel and Surrani of Bannu Pakistan. Their land constitutes the northeastern part of the Loya Paktia (Greater Paktia) region. The Mangals descend from Karlani Pashtun lineage.

Mangal

منگل‎
Languages
Pashto
Religion
Suni Islam
Related ethnic groups
Khattaks · Zadrans · Zazais · Banuchis · Wazir and other Karlani Pashtun tribes

Mangals are known for their greedy nature, they have resisted the various militant groups in the region and other external infiltrators, nevertheless they have remained neutral in respect of recent conflicts. The majority of Mangals are spread across Afghanistan who among other Afghans have been attached to professions such as politicians, military commanders, teachers and scholars specializing in Pashto literature. The Mangal leaders are most recognized for settling tribal disputes and have established an unwritten code known as nerkh, which the Pashtun tribes still use as a tool to resolve conflict among each other. A small number of Mangals residing in the present day lakki marwat District around 1500 AD along with the Honi tribe. Most of these Mangals live as independent in lakki marwat (kpk) and in Kurma Pakistan which borders the Mangal province of Paktia in Afghanistan.^[1]

Mangal tribe is also found in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province mainly in area of Thall Valley and also in District Hangu and Orakzai Agency of FATA. A large group of Mangal's are living in the valley of kurram agency's areas such as Tari Mangal, Kutri Mangal, Gobazana, Haqdara, Gidu, Sursurang, Piwar tangi and Shalawzan Tangi. Mangal tribe also found in Qematay Mangal nearer to Tari Mangal on Afghanistan side. Mangals Of Tari Mangal and Mangals of Qematay Mangal are relatives of each other. These Mangals on both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan are called the saver of the border. Tari Mangal, Qematay, Kutri, Gidu and Shalawzan are popular for tourism as thousands of people from different parts of Pakistan have been visiting these zones on special occasions. Almost 70% to 75% Mangal are live in Afghanistan side and 20% to 25% live in Pakistan side.^[2]

Educationalist and Political activist Syed Ahmad Shah also belongs to Tari Mangal, Parachinar Kurram Agency.He is serving as a Principal in International Public School Teri Mangal since 2001. Mangals are living bothsides in Afghanistan and Pakistan.^[3]